At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain planning for critical defence programmes and manage operational teams.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working options and commitment to inclusivity and flexibility.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain management and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 44600 - 55800 £ per year.
A Supply Chain Planning Manager is a mid-level management role in the Supply Chain Planning discipline of the Procurement and Supply Chain role family. This role manages the activities of a sub-area or section within this discipline, which could be comprised of technical, operational or support teams managed through Front Line Managers, and/or teams of professionals or technical specialists. This role is accountable for the performance and results of the teams within the sub-area or section with a focus on delivery against agreed plans and priorities.
Drive supply chain excellence across critical defence programmes at Babcock. As a Material and Inventory Planning Manager, you’ll take on a pivotal leadership role at the heart of complex defence and engineering programmes. You’ll lead operational planning activities, ensuring the effective coordination between demand and supply across multiple projects, helping to keep essential programmes on track.
Day-to-day, you’ll act as the key interface between project teams and supply chain operations. You’ll play a critical part in reducing risk, driving efficiency, and improving supply planning performance, all while developing your leadership capabilities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Leading and developing the operational planning team to deliver effective supply planning outcomes
- Managing supply plans and schedules to balance demand, resolve conflicts, and minimise project risk
- Driving supply chain planning improvements and implementing cost-efficient solutions
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure supply chain alignment and performance
- Analysing data and performance trends to improve forecasting, planning accuracy, and operational delivery
This role is full time, 35 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with a minimum of 4 days in the office/onsite.
Essential experience includes:
- Experience leading teams within supply chain, planning, or inventory management environments
- Strong understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes and planning methodologies
- Experience with planning systems such as MRP, ERP, or Master Production Scheduling
- Strong analytical skills, including experience with data analysis and reporting tools
- Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders across multiple levels
The successful candidate must be a sole UK National who is able to achieve and maintain Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPPI) security clearance for this role.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
- Employee shopping savings portal
- Payment of Professional Fees
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave
- Holiday Trading allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity
Babcock is a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 09/06/2026
Material and Inventory Planning Manager employer: Nuclearinst
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Material and Inventory Planning Manager in Plymouth, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to critical defence programmes that ensure national security. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being, making a meaningful impact in a rewarding career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Material and Inventory Planning Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their supply chain processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Talk about times you've led teams or improved processes. Companies like Babcock value candidates who can drive efficiency and manage teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that role! Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Let's get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Material and Inventory Planning Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience in supply chain and planning, as well as any relevant analytical skills. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our mission at Babcock. Don’t forget to mention your experience with planning systems like MRP or ERP.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive supply chain improvements. Use metrics where possible to show how you've made a difference in previous roles. We love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, we’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nuclearinst
✨Know Your Supply Chain Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of end-to-end supply chain processes and planning methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, especially in managing teams and resolving conflicts.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Material and Inventory Planning Manager, you'll be leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led operational planning activities or improved supply planning performance in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop your team.
✨Be Data Savvy
Since strong analytical skills are essential for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've used data analysis and reporting tools to improve forecasting and planning accuracy. Discuss specific metrics or outcomes that demonstrate your impact.
✨Communicate Effectively
This role requires effective communication with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence others and align supply chain operations with project teams, and be ready to share relevant experiences.
